For anyone visiting Venice - a city full of mystery and legend - the Doge’s Palace, a
masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture located in St. Mark's Square, is a must-
see. This iconic building once housed the city’s rulers and later became infamous for its
prisons. Among its many enigmatic tales, the "damned column" attracts with
curiosity both visitors and locals alike.

Back in the days of the Venetian Republic, condemned prisoners were given a desperate
last shot at redemption. The challenge? Circumnavigate a particular column at the
Doge’s Palace without falling into the lagoon. Such an achievement required surgical
precision, given how little support the column’s narrow base provided. Failure meant
drowning, sparing the executioner of his task, or being recaptured from the waters
to face execution.
The column in question, the fourth one along the lagoon-facing side, still bears the marks
of countless attempts. Legend holds that no prisoner succeeded, though rumors of
miraculous escapes still persist. Today, visitors to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's
Square) test their luck by attempting the “judgment of San Marco.” While the stakes
are now harmless, centuries of wear have only made this peculiar ritual more difficult.

The Doge’s Palace, built in 1340 and expanded over centuries, once served as the
political heart of Venice. Later, its southern and eastern wings became prisons, including
the dark "Pozzi" (wells) and the notorious "Piombi" (lead-roofed cells). Among the famous
inmates of the prison were Silvio Pellico and Giacomo Casanova.
The Bridge of Sighs, added in 1614, connected the palace to the New Prisons across
the canal. Its name reflects the prisoners' sorrowful last glimpse of the outside world
as they crossed from the courtroom to their cells.

When visiting Venice, the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark's Square is a must-see. Step into
the history of the Serenissima Republic with our exclusive Venice tours, which include a
guided visit to the Palazzo del Doge, its grand halls, and the eerie prisons accessed via
the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
And if you’re feeling daring, locate the damned column and test your balance. While the
risks are no longer life-threatening, the challenge remains a thrilling tribute to Venice’s
mysterious past.
Let us help you uncover the legends and secrets that make Venice truly timeless.
Contact us at info@citylightstours.com to arrange your exclusive tour of Venice!